More than Ash is dying back

The Forestry Commission has confirmed that three new tree and shrub species in the same family as ash (Oleaceae), growing in Westonbirt Arboretum, have tested positive for the same Ash Dieback fungal infection found in Common Ash.

Ash Dieback was thought to have been specific to the European Ash or Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), however Forest Research, UK’s principal organisation for forestry and tree related research, confirmed that mock privet (Phillyrea latifolia), narrow-leaved mock privet (Phillyrea angustifolia) and white fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicuis) have also been infected. The plants that were tested are in close proximity to infected Common Ash trees. You can read more about this here.

To report a suspected case of Ash dieback in any of these newly identified host species, visit the Tree Alert portal.